Started in 2004, the Secret Garden Party is an annual independent arts and music festival held at the Mill Hill Field in Cambridgeshire, England. Focusing on this year, the ‘garden-party-gone-crazy’ is scheduled to be held from the 21st of July to the 24th of July. It allows individuals to connect with their creative powers, explore their wildest fantasies and meet thousands of people from different corners of the world.
Secret Garden Party by Angel Ganev CC BY
Theme and Participation
The theme of Secret Garden Party 2016 is ‘The Gardeners Guide to The Galaxy’. To ensure maximum participation, the Secret Garden Party gives over half of all programming money back to the Gardeners – in the form of arts and expression grants. (Readers, please note that the term ‘Gardeners’ refers to the attendees henceforth).
The Mission
Their ‘Mission’, as they call it, is to ‘Explore the world of Science Fiction and imagine a new garden out of the old. Using the inspiration of Arthur C Clarke, Azimov, Philip K Dick and Douglas Adams, we are going to grow our imaginations from childish roots up into something more. In selecting the protocols for this mission, we took inspiration from the past. In 1889, a convention of the ‘gentlemen of the road’ came up with what they called the Hobo Code. We’ve called it The Gardeners Guide To The Galaxy.’
Mission Protocols (i.e. Rules and Regulations)
- If you haven’t come to learn, come to teach.
- Behave honourably at all times and respect the local law and officials.
- Do not take advantage of someone who is in a vulnerable situation.
- Always respect nature; do not leave rubbish where you are playing. You are in a community, pitch in and help.
- Look after your fellow gardeners whenever and wherever needed, you may need their help someday
(There are few other rules and regulations that need to be adhered to. They are stated in the official website.)
Performers
Renowned performers will show their skills and talents here. Some of them are Izzy Bizu, Hot Since 82, Little Comets, The Temper Trap, The Japanese House, and Band Of Skulls. Eminent DJs include The Martinez Brothers, Hot Since 82, Jackmaster, Waze & Odyssey, Super Flu, Eagles & Butterflies, Jon Sa Trinxa, Mojo Filter, Be Svendsen, and Wild Sirenda.
Other Attractions
Gardeners can look forward to the Vogon poetry readings & spoken word, robo copout, cosmic knitting, mutation station, art constellations, cosmonaut displays, astronaut training, guerrilla science, virtual reality, paint fights, floating dance floors, laser wars, regression sessions space safari and 24-hour woodland parties.
Tickets
There are a couple of options when it comes to tickets. The Adult weekend ticket costs £185.99 (Face Value + Litter Bond + Booking Fee) and the Teen Ticket is priced at £140.50 (Face Value + Litter Bond + Booking Fee). Admission of children (12 years and below) is free of cost! There are two types of instalment plans as well. For other essential details, check out the official website of the Secret Garden Party. Participants need to remember that tickets, deposits and instalment tickets are absolutely non-refundable.
Travel & Transport
Tourists intending to travel by single-decker buses can use the service of the Big Green Coach. All their coaches drop off or pick up at the official SGP coach park near the entrance. Others coming by train should get down at the Huntingdon Railway Station. It’s closest to the venue.
